Club issues due to poor pitch conditions across the country: Bravo will host Domžale in Šiška, the match between Primorje and Radomlje has been postponed

Published on 11. September 2024 11. September 2024

Photo: Klemme

Recent matches between Slovenia against Austria and Kazakhstan have unveiled a pressing issue that will continue to worry officials in Ljubljana throughout the autumn months. Just half a year after the renovation of the playing surface at Stožice Stadium, the pitch has become severely damaged again. Rainfall in Ljubljana on Monday caused water to accumulate at the edge of the field, creating muddy patches, with grass being torn up under the players’ feet. The situation is likely to worsen with both Olimpija and Bravo playing their games in Stožice, including European competitions.

Given the evident problems at Stožice, the decision was made to temporarily close the stadium for a short period to make certain improvements to the pitch. The primary focus will be on improving water drainage from the turf. Due to this, the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) had no choice but to reschedule the Bravo vs. Domžale match that was originally scheduled for Sunday at Stožice. The game will now be played at the same time, but instead of the country’s largest stadium, it will take place at ŽAK Stadium in Šiška. While the venue does not meet top-flight league standards, the ongoing crisis with pitches left officials with no alternative but to move the match to ŽAK.

Issues in Other Parts of Slovenia

The poor state of Stožice’s pitch will also affect Olimpija. The club was supposed to play a cup match against Domžale on September 25th at Stožice. However, the match will still go ahead, but one week later and at Domžale’s home ground instead, due to the pitch issues in Ljubljana. As for Bravo, they were scheduled to play their cup match in Novo mesto, but Krka declined to host the game, which means that Bravo’s match will now be played in Ljubljana at ŽAK Stadium in Šiška.

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It’s not just Ljubljana that’s facing these issues. Poor pitch conditions are also a concern in other parts of the country. In Nova Gorica, the damaged playing surface is undergoing renovation, but the work is extensive enough that the stadium will remain closed for longer than initially anticipated. As a result, Gorica will play its next home match in the 2nd SNL on an artificial turf field. Meanwhile, Krka will once again move from its main stadium in Portoval Sports Park, with their match against Ilirija also being played on a secondary pitch.

The ongoing renovation in Nova Gorica has also affected the scheduling of the 9th round of the Prva Liga Telemach. The match between Primorje and Radomlje, originally set for September 21st, will now be played during the October international break after both clubs agreed to the postponement.

This text was automatically translated using AI.

Author: editorial Football Planet